Mayor Menino Issues No Heat Advisory

Mayor Thomas M. Menino and the Inspectional Services Department today issued a reminder to Boston residents to prepare for frigid temperatures by making homes weather tight, and ensuring heating systems are running properly and adequately fueled. In the month of December, Inspectional Services received 129 “no heat” calls.

“As temperatures drop in Boston, we’re encouraging residents, landlords and property managers to be proactive in servicing their home plumbing and heating systems,” Mayor Menino said. “We’re also asking neighbors to look out for one another, and to take appropriate safety measures to prepare for the cold. Our 24-hour hotline is always on hand to help with any concerns residents may have.”

As residents brace for winter weather, Inspectional Services encourages both property owners and tenants to prepare by doing the following:

Service Your Plumbing and Heating Systems:

Planned Repairs Are Cheaper Than Emergency Repairs

Make sure your heating systems are up to code and working properly – minimize the chances of them breaking down

Do not run out of fuel, try to keep no less than a quarter tank of oil

Keep service plan handy in case of emergency

Property owners should have an emergency list of contractors(electrician, plumber and general contractor)

Heat Your Home, Not Outdoors:

Keep the Cold Out

Close and secure all storm windows and doors

Install door guards on all exterior doorways

Apply weather stripping to windows and doors

Properly insulate all pipes exposed to cold temperatures

Cover vents

Disconnect water hose and wrap or cover exposed spigot

Caulk or putty windows

Ensure kitchen and bathroom dampers close properly

According to the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code, landlords and property managers must supply functioning heating systems from September 15 through June 15. During this time the temperature of units must be maintained at 68 degrees during the day (7 a.m.to 11 p.m.) and 64 degrees in the evening (11:01 p.m. to 6:59 a.m.). Tenants experiencing problems with heating systems should contact a landlord or property manager immediately. If they are unresponsive, tenants should contact the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) at 617-635-5300 to file a complaint. Complaints made outside normal business hours should be called into the Mayor’s 24-Hour Hotline at 617-635-4500.

In partnership with MassSave, NSTAR and National Grid, Renew Boston provides no-cost energy assessments and 75% off – up to $2,000 – on qualified insulation improvements for households in 1-4 unit buildings. There are no income qualifications and renters and landlords are encouraged to participate. Those interested in learning more about the program should call 617-635-SAVE. For more information regarding home heating regulations log onto: www.cityofboston.gov/isd/housing/pdfs/winter.pdf.

City emergency management organizations have compiled a list of personal and home safety tips for cold weather preparation, available at www.cityofboston.gov/cold. The site also acts as a central location for residents filing service requests for cold-weather related issues, including insufficient heat, gas or electric problems, smoke and carbon monoxide detector inspections, and reporting oil truck issues.

The Elderly Commission reminds residents to check on their elderly neighbors. Boston seniors can also take advantage of Senior Shuttle service for any transportation needs. Additional information is available by calling the Elderly Commission at 617-635-4366. The City’s Shelter Commission asks that any resident who sees a potential medical emergency involving a homeless person dial 9-1-1.

About Ling-Mei Wong 黃靈美

Editor of the Sampan, the only bilingual Chinese-English newspaper in New England
舢舨報紙總編輯。舢舨是全紐英倫唯一的中英雙語雙週報。